Thursday, June 12, 2014

BUFFALO SABRES 2014 NHL DRAFT PREVIEW: A TURNING POINT

Being a Buffalo guy, I can’t go an entire season without my
Buffalo Sabres draft preview. For all my Buffalo friends and family, I give you
my 2014 Sabres NHL Draft Preview. But don’t worry, even if you’re not a Sabres
fan, there’s still something for you. Check out the later rounds for prospects
we didn’t get a chance to profile earlier in the season.

**

Buffalo currently owns 5 of the first 61 picks, and Tim
Murray seems interested in acquiring a few more, so the opportunity to haul in
a great group of players is certainly in the cards. And with that, let’s take a
look as some of the players the Sabres might be targeting come June.

1st Round
| 2nd Overall | Buffalo – via the Draft Lottery

Sam Bennett – C – Kingston Frontenac

Bennett possesses great hockey sense, good vision and some
great puck skills as well. Showing to be more of a playmaker this season than
during his rookie campaign, Bennett is also capable of unleashing a dangerous
shot. And while his main appeal stems from his offensive flair, Bennett also
incorporates a gritty aspect into his game. An up tempo player, he’s a hard
worker on the forecheck and knows how to create turnovers, changing the flow of
a game.

Sam Reinhart – C – Kootenay Ice

Reinhart is a cerebral player who sees the game like not
many others can. With great vision to boot, the youngest of three brothers is
an incredible playmaker. A natural goal scorer as well, Reinhart adds a great
shot with a quick release to his offensive repertoire. A leader, the Kootenay
captain is also responsible defensively, playing a complete two way game. And
while he may not be a big physical presence, Reinhart doesn’t mind getting
gritty.

Aaron Ekblad – D – Barrie Colts

Ekblad is the highest ranked eligible defender and for good
reason. With better size than many current NHLers, the man-child is certainly a
physical presence. A workhorse in Barrie, Ekblad was used on and excelled in
all situations, proving to be more than a one-trick pony. A shut down defender
with leadership attributes, he will need to work on his skating, but does have
some solid offensive potential, making an impact on that side of the puck with
great passing ability.

My Pick – It’s really a toss-up between Reinhart and
Bennett. The Sabres are in need of offense, and both of these forwards fill
that need in a big way. And while both have drawn comparisons to Jonathan Toews
thanks to their skillset and leadership, I believe another comparison can be
made. I also see some of Pat Kane in Sam Bennett. But then you look at Ekblad. The
Sabres are stacked on D, but if he’s there, he’s got to be hard to pass up on.
Three years of OHL experience, and drawing comparisons to some of the best
defenseman in the NHL. However, Bennett’s clutch play, his silky mitts and
finesse style offensive game make him my 2nd overall pick. Sam Bennett.

2nd Round
| 31st Overall | Buffalo

Ryan MacInnis – C – Kitchener Rangers

The son of former All-Star defender and slapshot king, Al
MacInnis, Ryan has found a home for himself in the faceoff dot rather than the
blueline. A smart player with size, great hands and good vision, MacInnis does
also have a heavy shot, but needs to improve his accuracy and release. Not the
strongest skater out there, it isn’t necessarily a weakness though for the
young pivot. Overall, a strong two way guy, MacInnis is also upping his
physical presence, making him the complete package.

Thatcher Demko – G – Boston College

One of the youngest players in college hockey, Demko has
been relied on and has excelled for the Eagles this season. A strong butterfly
goaltender, he moves well post-to-post and effectively uses his size and
athleticism to make saves. Also blessed with good size, Demko’s 6-foot-3 frame,
his mobility and positioning leaves very few holes for opposing players to pick
from. It’s no wonder that the young ‘tender has kept the #1 ranking among
goaltenders all season.

Brendan Lemieux – LW – Barrie Colts

Like father, like son for Brendan. Much like his dad, Claude,
Brendan is skilled at the art of agitating, a player you love on your team but
hate to play against. However, he doesn’t let that part of the game keep him
from making smart plays. Confident in front of the net, and in the corners,
Lemiuex has come on offensively this season. Relying on work ethic and
determination, the 2nd generation Lemieux has found success in a
smart game played the right way.

My Pick – Both forwards would be great selections, but after
the Ryan Miller trade, I’m looking to Demko. The Sabres does have two capable
NHL ‘tenders and a deep pipeline, but do you risk passing on a goalie with the
potential that Demko has? Thatcher
Demko.

2nd Round
| 39th Overall | Buffalo via MIN via WPG

Eric Cornel – C – Peterborough Petes

Cornel underperformed and was limited during his rookie
campaign but had a strong second season. A smart player with hands and great
vision, Cornel has the skillset to make those around him better players. With
the puck, he also knows how to get where he needs to be and can unleash a
rocket of a shot when he gets there. With great determination and work ethic, he
has shown a commitment to improving his strength as well as his defensive game.

Chase De Leo – C – Portland Winterhawks

The late ’95 birth year forward has come a long way from his
limited 4th line role as a rookie three years ago. De Leo is a hard
competitor with a non-stop motor who won’t let his smaller stature limit his
game. Creative with quick hands and great puck skills, there are no doubts that
this 3 year WHL vet has strong offensive instincts. A great skater as well, and
a player who doesn’t mind doing into the dirty areas, De Leo plays a solid two
way game.

Jayce Hawryluk – C – Brandon Wheatkings

A scoring prodigy at the bantam level, Hawryluk has continued
to cement his status as an offensive threat at the OHL level. A strong skater
with good speed, the undersized forward finds offense for himself and his team
by getting into the high percentage areas. Also, a responsible 200 foot player,
Hawryluk, much like De Leo, plays bigger than his size would imply.

My Pick – All three forward here give a team a player with
good offensive potential. In De Leo and Hawryluk, you get the offensive
potential in an undersized yet gritty package. Cornel, also an offensive
threat, has better size but is still working to fill out his frame. However,
Cornel was an early season favorite of mine, so I’m going to stick with my gut.
Eric Cornel.

The son of former NHLer and current Harvard Coach, Ted
Donato, Ryan is one of the highest touted high school players eligible for this
year’s draft. Headed to Harvard as well, the young forward has certainly earned
his standing thanks to his “unreal hockey sense,” vision, hands and creativity.
Mobility is probably the biggest weakness at this point, but the enthusiastic
Donato does have a developed defensive and physical game.

Hunter Smith – RW – Oshawa Generals

Passed over last season, the hulking forward has since been
one of the league’s most improved players. Putting in the offseason work to
find the success he has found, Smith has finally been coming into his own both
physically and offensively. A team first
guy, Smith is one of the strongest players in the OHL, and if he can continue
along the same development path he was following of late, Smith could very well
be a load for opposing teams to handle at the next level.

Jonathan MacLeod – D – USA U18 NTDP

The Boston University commit and former USA U17 captain, may
not be the most skilled or the most fleet of foot, but the big defender is
intriguing nonetheless. A workhorse with a leaders mentality, MacLeod has great
physical strength and knows how to leverage his size and strength to maximize
his defensive ability. It’s not all brawn for MacLeod thought, as he displays
great smarts and vision in both zones.

My Pick – MacLeod is only the second defenseman on my list,
and while he has drawn some strong consideration, I still look to Buffalo’s
deep defensive depth as a deterrent. Smith on the other hand, while he has experienced
great success, is still a work in progress. Donato however, I feel brings the
most complete package. A two way player with great offensive potential, the
Harvard commit is my pick. Ryan Donato.

Watson is a clutch offensive player, and found a great role
in complimenting top prospect Sam Bennett in Kingston. A pure scorer with a
very accurate wrist shot, Watson is also very dangerous one-on-one. He’s had a
lot of practice though, growing up playing against his twin brother who is a
defenseman for the Fronts. A strong skater with mobility, speed and
acceleration, Watson will still need his defensive game to catch up to his
offensive game.

Vladimir Tkachev – LW – Moncton Wildcats

Tkachev found a ton of success after coming over from Russia
midseason, picking up 30 points in 20 games with Moncton. When describing his
game, terms such as highly skilled, crafty and creative are often used, with
some calling him a “magician” with the puck. He’s an undersized player, and
that could very well be a deterrent for some teams. However, Tkachev is an
explosive skater with great mobility and acceleration, making him very difficult
to defend.

Aaron Haydon – D – Niagara Ice Dogs

A stay at home defenseman, Haydon is a big, strong, physical
defender. More than capable of using his size in the physical game, he’s also
effective at closing gaps, breaking up plays with his reach and limiting
opponent’s space and time. Despite his great size though, Haydon is a surprisingly
mobile skater. Still developing his offensive game, Haydon plays with an
excellent compete level, and certainly has the defensive mindset that scouts
envy.

My Pick – Watson is a great offensive talent and had a
strong year in Kingston, but how much of that, if any, had to do with playing
alongside Sam Bennett. Looking to the blueline, Haydon, much like MacLeod, is a
very intriguing defensive prospect with size, strength and shut down potential.
Tkachev has that “wow factor” though. Like Sergei Tolchinsky last year, the
slick handed Russian is my pick. Vladimir
Tkachev.

5th Round
| 121st Overall | Buffalo

Ryan Hitchcock – LW – USA U18 NTDP

Despite his smaller stature, Hitchcock is still capable of
playing an effective two-way game. The Yale commit also hasn’t let his size
limit his ability to be a contributor for his team. While he may not be an
“elite” offensive talent, he does has some strong tools. A good puck handler with
solid passing ability, what makes Hitchcock an impact player is his great
hockey sense. Overall, he’s a hardworking forward, with solid skills to be
effective on both sides of the puck.

Alexis Lintuniemi – D – Ottawa 67’s

The former U20 captain from Jokerit has brought over good
size and a solid two way game to Ottawa’s blueline. Still working to acclimate
himself to the size and speed of playing in North American rinks, Lintuniemi’s
game will still need to catch up a bit after his rookie season. Offensively,
the Finnish dman has solid puck handling and makes a good outlet pass. He’ll
need to improve his speed and continue to develop his overall game, but could
be a worthwhile project.

Beau Starrett – LW – South Shore Kings

A Cornell commit with a big frame, Starrett will still need
to fill out that 6-foot-4 frame and add some muscle to meet his full potential.
On the offensive side of the puck, he’s got great hands, good hockey sense and
a good, hard shot. A solid skater and hard forechecker as well, one thing
Starrett needs to show more consistency in is his compete level. More of a long
term project, the potential is there for Starrett.

My Pick – Lintuniemi is more of a project pick defensively
which might be a good fit considering the Sabres pipeline depth. Looking at the
forwards though, Hitchcock, although in a smaller package, brings a solid mix
of ability and determination that helps him find success. But I guess it comes
down to size, which, along with offensive potential, Starrett has. Beau Starrett.

6th Round
| 151st Overall | Buffalo

Darby Llewellyn – LW – Kitchener Rangers

Llewellyn’s brother helped guide him towards joining
Kitchener in the OHL and so far, the move seems to be paying off. In his second
season with the Rangers, then enthusiastic winger has shown some strong scoring
ability. Said to be a great playmaker as well, hopefully he will be able to
showcase that a bit more in the upcoming year. A leader with a great work
ethic, Llewellyn is a smart play who is effective at both ends of the rink.

Ryan Mantha – D – Indiana Ice

A hulking defender at 6-foot-5, Mantha had spent much of his
U16 career growing into his large frame. And while he does effectively utilize
his size in the defensive game, many would still like to see him engage as a
more dominating physical presence. As would be imagined, his mobility needs
work too. A strong defender, Mantha has some tools to help his team with the
puck as well. Not an offensive specialist, but he can handle the puck and makes
a good pass.

Tyler Bird – RW – Kimball Academy

A big time player with big time size in the prep school
ranks, Bird has found success both with and without the puck. An up-tempo, high
energy power forward, Bird is a punishing forechecker who is an asset down low
and in front of the net. In addition, he also has a hard, quick and accurate
shot at his disposal. Quickness is still a concern, but with a commitment to
Brown in hand, Bird will have all the time he needs to round out his game.

My Pick – Mantha’s size, especially on the blueline, is very
tempting. Another player who will need some time to refine his game and hit
that potential, Mantha could be a good fit. Offensively, Llewellyn has played
and succeeded at a higher level than Bird has. However, I feel that, given the
time to develop in the collegiate ranks, Bird has the best and most complete
package consisting of size, grit, offensive and intangibles. Tyler Bird.

7th Round
| 181st Overall | Buffalo

Frank Hora – D – Kitchener Rangers

A local Buffalo product, Hora came out of the Jr. Sabres
program and has been a solid defensive presence for the Rangers during his
rookie campaign. With an excellent work ethic, Hora plays a simple yet
effective game. Thus far, he has displayed good strength, good smarts and a
dedication to playing within himself. On a rebuilding team, Hora has been solid
but is the kind of guy who works every day to improve.

Seamus Malone – C – Dubuque Fighting Saints

The Wisconsin Badger to be, Malone’s most glaring weakness
is his lack of ideal size. However, despite only being 5-foot-9 and 165 pounds,
Malone doesn’t shy away from playing the game with a physical edge. But what
sets Malone apart here is his stick skills and silky mitts. With good smarts
and vision to boot, his potential, and thus his draft stock can only be
hindered by his size. This Marty St. Louis guy made it work though.

Nikita Jevpalovs – RW – Blainville-Boisbriand Armada

Jevpalovs has represented Latvia at various levels in
international play over the last few years, so there’s a good chance that Ted
Nolan is familiar with the young forward. A solid two way player who is already
well acclimated to the North American style of play, Jevpalovs has been proving
to be a nice gem at the Major Junior level.

My Pick – Hora, a local boy, has flown a bit under the radar
for the rebuilding Rangers, while Jevpalovs is part of a Latvian generation of
surprising talent. Malone, once considered a top prospect has fallen, with size
as an issue. Again I say, that St. Louis guy has been pretty good. Seamus Malone.

BONUS!

There are three guys who I have been following as early
season favorites. They may be a stretch at second overall, or maybe not, but
when it’s a gut feeling, you have to go with your gut. You never know.

Michael Dal Colle – LW – Oshawa Generals

Dal Colle is a pure sniper who has developed more of a
passing game through his sophomore season with the Generals. While Dal Colle
has good hands and great vision, what makes him really dangerous is his ability
to sneak into the high percentage areas to create offense. And while he is not
an extremely fast skater, he is solid and knows where he needs to be. He has a
good frame but can add some size to compliment his high compete level and his
goal scorer’s mentality.

Leon Draisaitl – C – Prince Albert Raiders

Nicknamed “The German Gretzky,” this young power forward
wasn’t able to replicate his mind boggling numbers from Germany, but hasn’t
missed a beat nonetheless. Although he dealt with some consistency issues, his
great shot and passing ability never came into question. A well rounded player
and a true competitor, Draisaitl is also effective at using his size and
strength in his own zone as well as to compliment his high end offensive
potential.

Nikolaj Ehlers – LW – Halifax Mooseheads

Ehlers started the season as a recent import and was seen as
a potential late first round pick. But as one of the biggest draft risers, he
ended the season as a possible top five pick. An explosive skater with
ridiculous speed, acceleration and agility, he also has great hands and is
capable of handling the puck at those high speeds. Offensively, he’s a threat
whether he keeps the puck or dishes it to a teammate. An excellent passer, he
can also unleash a deadly wrist shot. There is no doubt in my mind that this
kid is the real deal.

Draft fever is back! Just a few weeks away, all we have left
to do is wait and see how things shake out. But whoever is taken by whichever
team, best of luck to all of the prospects eligible in this year’s Entry Draft.